Sources: Wikidata · OpenAlex. The record of the motion picture, not an assessment of this cell.
FILM NOTES
Pokémon: The First Movie arrived in 1999 as Warner Bros. and Nintendo's bid to translate a global gaming and television phenomenon onto the big screen. Produced in Japan and localized for Western audiences, it followed the anime's early success and introduced Mewtwo's origin story alongside a bundled Pikachu short. The film became a box office event, drawing families and young collectors alike, and its theatrical run cemented Pokémon as a lasting cinematic property rather than a passing craze. For archivists, this release marks a key moment when animation tied to merchandise proved it could command sustained audience devotion on film.
This cell preserves a moment featuring Psyduck, the perpetually befuddled water-type known for headaches and unpredictable psychic outbursts, a fan favorite for its comic timing throughout the series. As part of the film's ensemble of Pokémon accompanying trainers on their journey, Psyduck's appearance here reflects the character's small but memorable role in the broader story. A single 35mm frame from this scene offers collectors a tangible fragment of that early theatrical print, valued not for spectacle but for its direct link to the character's first major appearance in a full-length feature.
Authentication Findings8 checks
Consistent with a 35mm colour release print of Pokémon: The First Movie (1999).
Gauge
35mm, confirmed by four perforations per frame on both edges; the strip holds one frame fully visible with partial frames above and below.
Perforations
Four per frame on each edge, evenly spaced; the punched holes appear cleanly cut with no torn or deformed edges visible.
Soundtrack
A variable-area optical track is visible running along one edge beside the picture area, appearing as a dual-band analog optical track; Dolby Digital pixel blocks are not clearly distinguishable at this size.
Edge print
Not visible in this capture.
Base & colour
The base appears with a warm-neutral tint; the dye image shows saturated colour consistent with an intact chromogenic dye set, no visible fading or red shift.
Projection history
Light vertical lines consistent with projection wear are visible across the frame area; no splices or cue marks are seen.
Picture
Positive colour image; the visible frame runs consecutively as part of a single shot and depicts animated content consistent with the Pokémon franchise film on record.
Era check
The dual variable-area optical soundtrack, colour positive print stock, and base tint are all consistent with a 35mm theatrical release print from the late 1990s.
Read from the original intake capture shown below. Observations only — film is authenticated, not graded.
This original motion picture film element has been examined and authenticated by Crown Grading, and encapsulated for archival preservation.
Why so little survivesRelease prints were leased to theaters, not sold. When the run ended they went back to the distributor to be destroyed, and most were. What collectors hold today came from the prints that escaped that order, and no new 35mm prints of these films are being struck.
Original Film CaptureAs received
Photographed on the light panel at intake, before encapsulation — tap to open full size
Tap to enlarge
